Connecticut residents who cannot afford a mammogram may qualify for free breast cancer screening through the state's Early Detection and Prevention Program.
Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani discussed the program Oct. 26 at a Wallingford news conference during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It serves eligible patients with low income who have no health insurance or limited coverage.
A mammogram is an X-ray examination that can detect breast cancer before a person notices symptoms. The program provides no-cost breast and cervical cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment services to eligible women who have low income and are uninsured or underinsured, Juthani said.
Juthani said the program delivered more than 16,000 mammograms over the past five years. Services are offered at 21 hospitals, 40 federally qualified health centers and 15 Planned Parenthood clinics, with about 5,000 residents screened each year, according to the state.
Residents can check the state screening program or call 860-509-7804 for help finding services and determining whether they qualify.